The Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) has announced the appointment of four new officers to its 2017 Board of Directors:
- 1st vice-chairman, Nick Maniatis, director, New Mexico State Film Office (US)
- 2nd vice-chairman, Dr. Marijana Stoisits, CEO, Vienna Film Commission (AT)
- Treasurer, Karen Carberry-Warhola, director, Maine Film Office (US)
- Secretary, Jess Conoplia, sr. VP–US Production & Events, British Film Commission (UK)
Kevin Jennings, executive manager, Film Otago Southland (NZ), continues as AFCI Chairman completing the final year of his two-year term that began in 2016.
In October 2016, AFCI announced its elected two-year term board members: Tim Clark, Buffalo Niagara Film Commission (US); Sigmund Elias Holm, film commissioner, Western Norway Film Commission (NO); Heather Page, director, Texas Film Commission (US); and Virginia Pearce, director, Utah Film Commission (US).
They join current board members with one year remaining in their respective terms: Jeanne Corcoran, Sarasota County Film & Entertainment Office (US), and Pamela Haynes, West Virginia Film Office (US).
AFCI executive director Kevin Clark applauded the results of the election. “Once again we look forward to working with a diverse, experienced and capable group leading our organization.”
“Heretic” and “Maria” Set As Red Carpet Premieres At AFI Fest
The American Film Institute (AFI) has announced that Heretic, the psychological thriller starring Hugh Grant, and Maria, based on the life of opera singer Maria Callas starring Angelina Jolie, will round out the Red Carpet Premieres section at this year’s AFI Fest. The Heretic Gala Screening will take place on Thursday, October 24, and the Maria Gala Screening will be held on Saturday, October 26. The complete Red Carpet Premieres section includes the world premieres of Music By John Williams, Robert Zemeckis’ Here, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and Clint Eastwood’s Juror #2. All Red Carpet Premieres will take place at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. The full lineup for AFI Fest 2024 will be unveiled on October 1.
“At the heart of AFI Fest is an unwavering dedication to celebrating the best in global cinema--together,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI president and CEO. “We look forward to uniting artists and audiences once again to be inspired by the art form in a powerful sense of community.”
Heretic follows two young missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) who are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed (portrayed by Grant), becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat-and-mouse. The film is directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods and produced by Stacey Sher, Beck, Woods, Julia Glausi and Jeanette Volturno. The film will be released nationwide by A24 on November 8.
Directed by Pablo Larraín, Maria presents a tumultuous and beautiful depiction of one of the world’s most renowned artists and reimagines the legendary soprano in her final days in Paris, as Callas (Jolie)... Read More